Regier happy for Cunneyworth

From John Vogl of the Buffalo News:

Cunneyworth, who has coached the Sabres’ AHL team in Rochester for the past eight seasons, was hired as an assistant coach by the Atlanta Thrashers. Cunneyworth joins the staff of new Thrashers head man John Anderson.

“I’m very happy for him,” Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said Friday. “It’s well-deserved, and he’ll do a terrific job.”

Read the entire article here.

Cunneyworth paid his dues in the AHL and will be a good addition to the Thrashers bench. Eventually, the former NHL forward should become a solid NHL head coach.

Sabres hoping to re-sign Ryan Miller

From Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News:

It's encouraging that Darcy Regier has told the media twice in the last few days that he's had contract talks with Ryan Miller's agent and that he thinks Miller wants to stay in Buffalo for the long term. But the bottom line is this: A new deal for Miller has to get done before the season starts and preferably before training camp.

You think the Brian Campbell situation last year was a distraction for both player and team? Just wait for the circus that would ensue if Miller was unsigned. It's the first question he'd get from the media every day and I'm not just talking about the local corps. Miller would be dealing with hordes in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and how about an early trip to Detroit?

Read the entire entry from Sabres Edge here.

The talk that the Wings are going to swoop in and try and sign Miller may be overblown. Ken Holland recently stated in an interview that he doesn't like to open up his team's bank account for goalies. Moreover, who is to say Miller would even be the answer in Detroit? My money is on the Sabres and Miller coming to an agreement sometime before the season begins. The deal will probably be something along the lines of 6yr, $36 million.

Regier still thinks highly of Afinogenov

From John Vogl of the Buffalo News:

“He’s not going to score 10 goals next year,” Regier said. “Whether it’s here or
not, he’s here right now, he certainly is going to get back on track. He’s a
young player. There’s no reason not to. He’s an outstanding player.”

Read more from Vogl here.

Regier admits in those comments that Afinogenov could be playing elsewhere next season. Clearly, the GM is not going to bring down the value of his player on the trade market with comments about Afinogenov's struggles. Instead, he is trying to boost Afinogenov's perceived value to the team in order to try and get more in a trade.

NHL Morning Papers: Special Pre-Draft Edition

Here are the morning papers from the Northeast Division:

• Sabres GM Darcy Regier is looking to move up in the draft, writes John Vogl.
• The Bruins have a couple of names that they are hoping are available at 16. Meanwhile, apparently Cam Neely enjoys the draft process.
• Bryan McCabe won't waive his no-trade clause and the Leafs won't buy him out, so it looks like he'll be in Toronto. Want advice on how to turnaround the Leafs? Listen to Don Cherry. The Leafs acquired Toronto native Jamal Mayers last night.
• The Habs could look to deal their first-rounder for an accomplished forward, writes Pat Hickey.
• Bryan Murray denies that a trade involving Jason Spezza is in the works. Here are some other tidbits involving the Senators, courtesy of Don Brennan.